Steady flow of patrons visit 35th Boardman Oktoberfest despite rain

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

When it comes to running a business, you might say that Gerry Hefferon likes to get right to the point.

“I buy the materials, then turn them into different styles,” said Hefferon, referring to a technique he uses to make a variety of ink pens.

Hefferon and his wife, Betsy, own The Wood Crate, a 7-year-old Struthers business. The couple also was among an estimated 140 vendors who took part in Sunday’s 35th annual Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest in Boardman Township Park.

The eight-hour event gave artisans and other local, regional and out-of-state vendors an opportunity to show and sell their crafts, decorations and art pieces. Also available was information on everything from pet adoptions to respite care.

A small stream of attendees continually filled the small tent because they were drawn to Hefferon’s unusual array of pens, most of which were made from wood, acrylic or plastic.

Hefferon, who started making click- and twist-style pens about 11 years ago, explained that he buys material such as pink myrtle wood from Australia, then uses a lathe to cut and turn the wood before sanding and polishing it. Also part of his colorful mix are weighted pens for people who suffer from arthritis, as well as some he converted to detachable key chains and flashlights, Hefferon added.

“I started making gifts for my kids’ teachers and [the demand] got bigger and bigger,” Hefferon said, adding that he and his wife take part in four or five shows each year.

Despite a light rain and temperatures hovering near 50 degrees, a steady flow of people came to the one-day event to browse and buy merchandise that included homemade Christmas-tree ornaments with garland, numerous wooden pieces, Halloween decorations, teddy-bear candles, colored jewelry and necklaces, children’s bracelets, pearls, hand-dipped treats, potholders and pottery by Jane P. Waxenfelter.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.